A Chester fitness centre is sponsoring an up-and- coming athlete to help him achieve his dream of competing internationally by offering him free strength and conditioning sessions.

BodyHQ in Chester, owned by Chris Chan, has taken Chester Catholic High sprint ace Matthew Pagan under its wing in a bid to help him pull on an international vest in the next few years.

Matthew, who competes for West Cheshire AC in Ellesmere Port, is currently ranked number 1 in the UK for the U17 men’s 400m, and is hoping to start off his new partnership by winning as many domestic titles as he can during the upcoming season.

Matthew said: “I love athletics and competing for my club and school and have been very fortunate to be able to do it to a high-level so far. But now my aim is to represent GB in the near future. I train three times a week on the track, and training with Chris and his team at BodyHQ as well has increased my strength and flexibility, which is something my track training can’t give always me.

“It’s been really hard but really enjoyable at the same time with Chris as he really pushes me to do better every time. He has worked out a training plan that works perfectly with my event and other training and I can really feel and see the benefits.”

BodyHQ is based at Evan Easy Space off Minerva Avenue in Chester.

Chris said: “I’m really pleased to be able to support Matthew in his athletics ambitions and help a local sporting talent fulfil his potential. It’s a real pleasure training him and I’m looking forward to seeing him competing for his country many times in the future,”